2016 President’s Message – Yellowknife Community Foundation

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1 January 2017

Preparing the Yellowknife Community Foundation annual calendar for 2017 provides an ideal opportunity to take stock of the achievements of Yellowknife organizations that the Foundation has been able to support in 2016 and consider opportunities for next year.

Since its 1993 inception, the Foundation has embodied the simple concept that people working together can make a difference. With a mission to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Yellowknife and the surrounding area, the Foundation has distributed over $140,000 in grants and scholarships this year, an increase of 30% over 2015. We are pleased to report that our assets are now approaching $4.5 M. Imagine, with ongoing community support, each year we’re able to do a little bit more.

Your Foundation joined Yellowknife’s humanitarian effort in 2016 contributing to the support of Syrian refugees. We’re proud that Yellowknife readily stepped up to assist people in need. But of course that’s the history of this city. Partnering with the Polar Bear Swim Club to provide needed equipment at the community pool was a valued sport contribution while Side Door, YWCA, and Women’s Society contributions, amongst others, strengthen our social service community. Food Rescue contributions not only benefit people in need but assist with keeping edible food from reaching the land fill. All of these grants were made possible from funds donated to our general fund, titled The Yellowknife Community Fund. This fund provides support to a wide variety of organizations in our city. Many other grants and scholarships are also made possible through funds developed for specific purposes.

Common amongst all organizations supported by the Foundation is their volunteer base, people working together to make a difference. We’re inspired by the incredible
volunteer efforts of our community.

On February 11, 2017 the Foundation will host our annual gala, A Night in Paris. This event, which is our major fund raiser is only made possible and successful by the many volunteers and corporate contributors of auction items and event sponsorship. We hope you’ll join us for this very special night out.

Our annual barbeque, held in late summer each year, also provides an opportunity to thank the many donors to the Foundation, honour those memorialized by scholarship and grant programs, and recognize scholarship recipients.

In 2017 the Foundation plans to be pro-active by seeking to identify organizations and projects that enhance our community. Everyone is encouraged to view the web site http://www.ykcf.ca/ to learn more about the Community Foundation and consider how we might partner to enhance the quality of life for all who choose to make Yellowknife home.

Thanks to everyone who helps keep our Community Foundation successful. Together we are making a difference.

Download the 2017 calendar (PDF 9.1 MB)

Bronwyn Watters
President

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Impact Story - Skate North -...

The Yellowknife Small Grants Program offers micro-grants of up to $1,000 for individual residents of Yellowknife, Ndilǫ, and Dettah to bring the community together and help make it better. The first ever batch of grants was awarded in Fall 2025 to eight community members, including Forrest Doctor for his ongoing project, Skate North.

The initiative aims to make skateboarding more accessible to youth by providing safe skate spaces, equipment, and mentorship.

” I want to encourage youth to commit to their passions, take initiative, and create positive change. For me, that means creating a safe space for learners, something I didn’t have when I first started. This project is about keeping skateboarding alive in the NWT and giving our youth the support and opportunities they deserve.” – excerpt from Forrest’s proposal

Forrest used the grant to purchase helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to give away to up-and-coming skaters. Through free prize draws, in-person outreach, and open calls on social media, Forrest was able to get gear directly into the hands of youth who need it the most.

Forrest Doctor giving away gear at the miniramp in Ndilǫ. The ramp was constructed in Spring 2026 as part of a Skate North wordworking workshop, delivered in partnership with the YKDFN Dechı̨ta Nàowo Training Center.

Matt Wolff from Rumor Boardshop in Edmonton, AB.
The skate shop is an ardent supporter and partner to the Skate North project.

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The results of this direct access model were both immediate and unexpected. Two things stand out especially. First, Forrest noticed that new skaters were able to instantly start with confidence. Having proper safety gear in place meant they were free to try things as many times as they wanted. That ability to iterate safely creates a level of early learning and progression that is invaluable.

Second, the degree of engagement from youth, families, and the larger community was uplifting. Skate North has now grown through additional volunteers, sponsors, and partners, including local schools. It shows that there is a strong demand for skateboarding and action sports overall. Now an olympic sport, the old cultural stigmas attached to skating have faded away. All that remains is a desire to get out there and rip.

Forrest partnered with Rumor Boardshop in Edmonton, AB to acquire the gear at a discounted rate. Shop rep Matt Wolff had this to say on the impact of skating and initiatives like Skate North:

“Especially in smaller communities, skateboarding can be a huge outlet for youth, not only physically, but to express themselves artistically as well. It also brings a real sense of community for people. I grew up in a small town in the middle of Alberta, and the people I skateboarded with I still have friendships with to this day.”

We can’t wait to see a new generation of skaters come up and grow the local scene in the North. Keep rolling.